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October of last year, Pushing Hope: A Memoir of Survival, written by Raymond Santana, was published. The long journey of creating this book was unique in my career because it was the first time I had to use an assistant rather than working entirely alone, as I always had.

Originally intended as a straightforward graphic novel with comic-panel-style pages, the project eventually evolved into a graphic memoir — combining large, expressive images with Raymond’s own words and experiences as one of the Exonerated Five. It took two and a half years to complete and, for a while, anyone who knows me knows it completely encompassed my life.

As the book changed form, much of the original artwork was ultimately not used. At first that was difficult, but in retrospect the final version better reflects the emotional commitment and hard work I poured into it.

One of the greatest challenges was finding a visual language to tell Raymond’s story — from his childhood in Queens and Harlem to the trauma of being interrogated at fourteen and incarcerated for years. Translating that emotional journey into drawings was extraordinarily difficult, and because of that, I’m now very proud of the work. I also believe it’s an important book.

People know the story of the Exonerated Five through films and documentaries, but this memoir offers something more personal: Raymond Santana’s own perspective and voice.

I’m grateful to everyone who helped bring this book into existence. It won the School Library Journal Best Book of the Year Award and the In the Margins Top Book Award, and received strong reviews from Kirkus and other review sites across the board. It’s available in libraries and as an audiobook narrated by Raymond himself.

@santanaraymond @astrakidsbooks @penguinrandomhouse @iamtheleopard #KeithHenryBrown #ExoneratedFive ✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 @painted.words @insta_gram_e

Series of postcards done for Blue Note Jazz Club Enterprises to be sold in gift shops@milesdavis @eric.dolphy.official @charlesmingusinstitute @billevansofficial @sarahvaughanqueenbebop #milesdavis #ericdolphy #charlesmingus #toshikoakiyoshi #sarahvaughan #theloniousmonk #billevans #johncoltrane #sonnyrollins #illustration #jazzillustration #penandink

Series of postcards done for Blue Note Jazz Club Enterprises to be sold in gift shops@milesdavis @eric.dolphy.official @charlesmingusinstitute @billevansofficial @sarahvaughanqueenbebop #milesdavis #ericdolphy #charlesmingus #toshikoakiyoshi #sarahvaughan #theloniousmonk #billevans #johncoltrane #sonnyrollins #illustration #jazzillustration #penandink

Series of postcards done for Blue Note Jazz Club Enterprises to be sold in gift shops@milesdavis @eric.dolphy.official @charlesmingusinstitute @billevansofficial @sarahvaughanqueenbebop #milesdavis #ericdolphy #charlesmingus #toshikoakiyoshi #sarahvaughan #theloniousmonk #billevans #johncoltrane #sonnyrollins #illustration #jazzillustration #penandink

Series of postcards done for Blue Note Jazz Club Enterprises to be sold in gift shops@milesdavis @eric.dolphy.official @charlesmingusinstitute @billevansofficial @sarahvaughanqueenbebop #milesdavis #ericdolphy #charlesmingus #toshikoakiyoshi #sarahvaughan #theloniousmonk #billevans #johncoltrane #sonnyrollins #illustration #jazzillustration #penandink

Series of postcards done for Blue Note Jazz Club Enterprises to be sold in gift shops@milesdavis @eric.dolphy.official @charlesmingusinstitute @billevansofficial @sarahvaughanqueenbebop #milesdavis #ericdolphy #charlesmingus #toshikoakiyoshi #sarahvaughan #theloniousmonk #billevans #johncoltrane #sonnyrollins #illustration #jazzillustration #penandink

Series of postcards done for Blue Note Jazz Club Enterprises to be sold in gift shops@milesdavis @eric.dolphy.official @charlesmingusinstitute @billevansofficial @sarahvaughanqueenbebop #milesdavis #ericdolphy #charlesmingus #toshikoakiyoshi #sarahvaughan #theloniousmonk #billevans #johncoltrane #sonnyrollins #illustration #jazzillustration #penandink

Series of postcards done for Blue Note Jazz Club Enterprises to be sold in gift shops@milesdavis @eric.dolphy.official @charlesmingusinstitute @billevansofficial @sarahvaughanqueenbebop #milesdavis #ericdolphy #charlesmingus #toshikoakiyoshi #sarahvaughan #theloniousmonk #billevans #johncoltrane #sonnyrollins #illustration #jazzillustration #penandink

Series of postcards done for Blue Note Jazz Club Enterprises to be sold in gift shops@milesdavis @eric.dolphy.official @charlesmingusinstitute @billevansofficial @sarahvaughanqueenbebop #milesdavis #ericdolphy #charlesmingus #toshikoakiyoshi #sarahvaughan #theloniousmonk #billevans #johncoltrane #sonnyrollins #illustration #jazzillustration #penandink

Series of postcards done for Blue Note Jazz Club Enterprises to be sold in gift shops@milesdavis @eric.dolphy.official @charlesmingusinstitute @billevansofficial @sarahvaughanqueenbebop #milesdavis #ericdolphy #charlesmingus #toshikoakiyoshi #sarahvaughan #theloniousmonk #billevans #johncoltrane #sonnyrollins #illustration #jazzillustration #penandink

Trying to look ‘rugged’ and NOT succeeding 😆🤣🤷🏽‍♂️ @iamtheleopard #keithhenrybrown🎨

Winners have been officially announced for @american_illustration_official american_illustration_winners’ 45th Annual Competition, and I’m hyped to be included in the book this year alongside so many amazing illustrators.

The selected piece was a 6-page editorial (which I also wrote) — an illustrated travel narrative documenting a jazz fan’s long-awaited journey to New Orleans. It originally appeared in the Winter issue of National Parks magazine, published by the National Parks Conservation Association.

Big thanks to Mark Heflin and the jury! 💖
A special thanks to editor @ronamarech
Congratulations to all the other winners — and psyched to see y’all at The Par-tay in November!

#illustration #portraitillustration #editorialillustration #americanillustration

Winners have been officially announced for @american_illustration_official american_illustration_winners’ 45th Annual Competition, and I’m hyped to be included in the book this year alongside so many amazing illustrators.

The selected piece was a 6-page editorial (which I also wrote) — an illustrated travel narrative documenting a jazz fan’s long-awaited journey to New Orleans. It originally appeared in the Winter issue of National Parks magazine, published by the National Parks Conservation Association.

Big thanks to Mark Heflin and the jury! 💖
A special thanks to editor @ronamarech
Congratulations to all the other winners — and psyched to see y’all at The Par-tay in November!

#illustration #portraitillustration #editorialillustration #americanillustration

“So easy when you know how.” Happy Birthday, jazz pianist, organist, composer, violinist, singer, and comedic entertainer Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller. Songs: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Your Feets Too big, The Joint Is Jumpin’, Honeysuckle Rose, The Jitterbug Waltz, Two Sleepy People, I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter #jazzlegend #fatswaller #jazzpianist #jazzcomposer #jazzentertainer peninkwatercolorart penandink @iamtheleopard @thejasonmoran jazzillustration keithhenrybrown @paintedwords

“We can’t change the world unless we change ourselves.” Happy Birthday to Biggie Smalls, The original Notorious one (who left us March 9, 1997) bedstuybrooklyn #bedstuyneighborhood #artiseverywhere #artiseverywhereyoulook #graffiti #nycgraffitti nycgraffitiart wallart beautyofnewyork lookaroundyou @portrait @illustration @inkandwatercolor graffitiartist brooklynlife keithhenrybrown iamtheleopard brooklynart bedstuyart @painted.words

“We can’t change the world unless we change ourselves.” Happy Birthday to Biggie Smalls, The original Notorious one (who left us March 9, 1997) bedstuybrooklyn #bedstuyneighborhood #artiseverywhere #artiseverywhereyoulook #graffiti #nycgraffitti nycgraffitiart wallart beautyofnewyork lookaroundyou @portrait @illustration @inkandwatercolor graffitiartist brooklynlife keithhenrybrown iamtheleopard brooklynart bedstuyart @painted.words

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.”
- Happy Birthday, MALCOLM X born Malcolm Little, later el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz; May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965
#malcolmx #malcolmlittle #watercolor #watercolorportrait #portrait nationofislam byanymeansnecessary keithhenrybrown @malcolmxfoundation @malcolmxpower malcolmxbirthday iamtheleopard @pwlicensing @paintedwordsartrep PaintedWords

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.”
- Happy Birthday, MALCOLM X born Malcolm Little, later el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz; May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965
#malcolmx #malcolmlittle #watercolor #watercolorportrait #portrait nationofislam byanymeansnecessary keithhenrybrown @malcolmxfoundation @malcolmxpower malcolmxbirthday iamtheleopard @pwlicensing @paintedwordsartrep PaintedWords

Elated to see the great Andrea Davis Pinkney sharing Because of You, John Lewis — a book I had the honor of illustrating — at the Scholastic Book Fair. One of my favorite collaborations with a wonderful writer and lovely person!

Repost from @andreapinkney1:

There’s nothing quite like a Scholastic Book Fair! I was thrilled to spend time with the students and faculty at Ivy Hill Elementary in Newark, NJ. With 100 years of experience, the fairs spark discovery and excitement for reading in millions of kids each year. It’s an experience every child deserves, regardless of resources in their home or community.

A fully funded (sponsored) Book Fair removes economic barriers and is a fun, meaningful way to support students’ access to robust and appealing books. All children can experience the magic of a book fair at no cost to them, made possible through district, state, or federal funding, as well as collaborations with corporations and nonprofit organizations.

The morning began with elementary school cheerleaders chanting about the joy and power of reading — and the excitement only grew from there! Special thanks to my Book Fairs friends and colleagues for inviting me to participate in such a beautiful and purpose-driven celebration.

#BookJoy

Elated to see the great Andrea Davis Pinkney sharing Because of You, John Lewis — a book I had the honor of illustrating — at the Scholastic Book Fair. One of my favorite collaborations with a wonderful writer and lovely person!

Repost from @andreapinkney1:

There’s nothing quite like a Scholastic Book Fair! I was thrilled to spend time with the students and faculty at Ivy Hill Elementary in Newark, NJ. With 100 years of experience, the fairs spark discovery and excitement for reading in millions of kids each year. It’s an experience every child deserves, regardless of resources in their home or community.

A fully funded (sponsored) Book Fair removes economic barriers and is a fun, meaningful way to support students’ access to robust and appealing books. All children can experience the magic of a book fair at no cost to them, made possible through district, state, or federal funding, as well as collaborations with corporations and nonprofit organizations.

The morning began with elementary school cheerleaders chanting about the joy and power of reading — and the excitement only grew from there! Special thanks to my Book Fairs friends and colleagues for inviting me to participate in such a beautiful and purpose-driven celebration.

#BookJoy

Elated to see the great Andrea Davis Pinkney sharing Because of You, John Lewis — a book I had the honor of illustrating — at the Scholastic Book Fair. One of my favorite collaborations with a wonderful writer and lovely person!

Repost from @andreapinkney1:

There’s nothing quite like a Scholastic Book Fair! I was thrilled to spend time with the students and faculty at Ivy Hill Elementary in Newark, NJ. With 100 years of experience, the fairs spark discovery and excitement for reading in millions of kids each year. It’s an experience every child deserves, regardless of resources in their home or community.

A fully funded (sponsored) Book Fair removes economic barriers and is a fun, meaningful way to support students’ access to robust and appealing books. All children can experience the magic of a book fair at no cost to them, made possible through district, state, or federal funding, as well as collaborations with corporations and nonprofit organizations.

The morning began with elementary school cheerleaders chanting about the joy and power of reading — and the excitement only grew from there! Special thanks to my Book Fairs friends and colleagues for inviting me to participate in such a beautiful and purpose-driven celebration.

#BookJoy

“I can be a pain, but most of all, I can be a pleasure.” Happy 78th Birthday to the original Influencer: the TRULY ICONIC artist/writer/model/musician/actress GRACE JONES #sketchbook @gracejones #keithhenrybrown @iamtheleopard #supermodel#jeanpaulgaultier @paintedwords

Incredible LA weekend visit with my two knuckleheads for my youngest Cole’s graduation! Hard to think of anything that makes this pop happier than zipping around LA while my two boys show me some of their favorite dope spots! @satchelbrown98 @coleaaronbrown

Incredible LA weekend visit with my two knuckleheads for my youngest Cole’s graduation! Hard to think of anything that makes this pop happier than zipping around LA while my two boys show me some of their favorite dope spots! @satchelbrown98 @coleaaronbrown

Incredible LA weekend visit with my two knuckleheads for my youngest Cole’s graduation! Hard to think of anything that makes this pop happier than zipping around LA while my two boys show me some of their favorite dope spots! @satchelbrown98 @coleaaronbrown

Incredible LA weekend visit with my two knuckleheads for my youngest Cole’s graduation! Hard to think of anything that makes this pop happier than zipping around LA while my two boys show me some of their favorite dope spots! @satchelbrown98 @coleaaronbrown

Incredible LA weekend visit with my two knuckleheads for my youngest Cole’s graduation! Hard to think of anything that makes this pop happier than zipping around LA while my two boys show me some of their favorite dope spots! @satchelbrown98 @coleaaronbrown

Incredible LA weekend visit with my two knuckleheads for my youngest Cole’s graduation! Hard to think of anything that makes this pop happier than zipping around LA while my two boys show me some of their favorite dope spots! @satchelbrown98 @coleaaronbrown

Incredible LA weekend visit with my two knuckleheads for my youngest Cole’s graduation! Hard to think of anything that makes this pop happier than zipping around LA while my two boys show me some of their favorite dope spots! @satchelbrown98 @coleaaronbrown

Incredible LA weekend visit with my two knuckleheads for my youngest Cole’s graduation! Hard to think of anything that makes this pop happier than zipping around LA while my two boys show me some of their favorite dope spots! @satchelbrown98 @coleaaronbrown

Incredible LA weekend visit with my two knuckleheads for my youngest Cole’s graduation! Hard to think of anything that makes this pop happier than zipping around LA while my two boys show me some of their favorite dope spots! @satchelbrown98 @coleaaronbrown

Incredible LA weekend visit with my two knuckleheads for my youngest Cole’s graduation! Hard to think of anything that makes this pop happier than zipping around LA while my two boys show me some of their favorite dope spots! @satchelbrown98 @coleaaronbrown

Congratulations to @joeciardiello on his induction into the Hall of Fame by the @soi128 . By far, he’s my favorite living illustrator — but even more importantly, he’s one of my favorite people I’ve ever had the privilege to know.

I’m especially proud knowing he comes from Staten Island, my hometown - also, we both went to the High School of Art And Designin Manhattan, althoughhe was a couple of grades in front of me. Seeing someone from where I came from reach this level with such grace makes me even prouder of my roots.

Joe isn’t just a great image maker — he’s a great human being. His humility is beautiful, and his generosity toward others is unmatched. No matter how accomplished he is, he always makes you feel like you matter, like you’re worth his time and attention. That’s rare.

I’m beyond happy for him, though honestly, he deserved this honor long ago. Congratulations, Joe — nobody deserves it more.

L’amore porta grandezza, Maestro!

Sketchbook: Street busker, Savannah, Georgia 2018. #streetbusker #flute #jazz #pencilsketch #savannahgeorgia streetmusic keithhenrybrown iamtheleopard pagestreetbooks paintedwords paintedwordsillustrationagency